Page 40 of Maximus

Maximus laughed. “It was. Will you need anything special at the airports to get that case through security?”

“No, we’ve shielded it. Why? Do you have a magic wand?”

“More like a magic keyboard. The Russian equivalent of the TSA doesn’t have redundancy or firewall protections, so manipulating it is child’s play.”

“Ah, so you’re a computer whiz, too?”

“I dabble.”

“Is that how you got my number? The two people who have it wouldn’t give it out.”

Maximus chuckled. “Possibly. You have my number if you need assistance.”

“Why wouldn’t I call Con, Jewell, or Brando?” They were his normal points of contact for assistance.

“I’m faster and in your time zone.” That statement was not bravado, which reinforced his belief the man was more than a computer whiz—he was dangerously good. No one should have been able to get his number. It didn’t exist, according to Archangel.

“Appreciate the offer, but I’m good.” Merlin glanced at the frame on the floor. “You said there was a canvas that needed to lay flat?”

“The canvas rolled back on itself, so instead of damaging it, we put it back in the frame. The one to your right. You shouldn’t be sitting down on the job, by the way.”

Merlin jerked and searched the room. “Well, hello, Maximus.” He stood and walked over to the small camera in the corner of the room. “Are you going to tell me how you’re getting a signal out or how we’re talking when this vault should shield everything?”

There was a chuckle on the other end. “And this is why you should call me when you need assistance.”

Merlin nodded. “Does Archangel know you’re offering your services?”

“He will. Call if you’re backed into a corner.”

“I will. Thanks.”

“You take care of those paintings, or Elena will have both our heads on a platter.”

Merlin laughed. “I’d like to meet her someday.”

“Hands off, my newly minted friend.” The connection ended with that comment.

Merlin barked a laugh and got to work after taking the camera down and putting it in his pocket. He’d take it apart later and figure out what Maximus knew that he didn’t. Electronics fascinated him.

CHAPTER 19

Elena sat in the grass while Max bought them sweets and tea from a vendor about ten feet away. They’d spent the morning at the Sochi Arboretum. The expansive gardens were beautiful and hosted a variety of plants from all over the world. The scents were amazing, and the colors were things she’d hold in her mind’s eye as she tried to paint the memories. They’d taken the cable car to the top of the hill and had a picnic lunch while they enjoyed the unending view of the mountains, the sea, and the city of Sochi.

Max in a suit was something to behold, but Max wearing jeans and a henley was just about the sexiest thing in the world. The fabric pulled across his wide shoulders and outlined the powerful form that the suit had hidden. She accepted the paper cup holding her tea and a napkin with a fancy chocolate with a creamy pistachio filling.

She sighed and closed her eyes.

“Happy?”

She finished the candy and nodded. “Yes, this has been the best day. I’ve lived here for almost four years and never went to the arboretum or up to the top of the hill on the cable car.”

“I know what you mean. There are plenty of sights and places I haven’t experienced in New York. It seems like life can consume all your time, and people forget to pause and see what wonderful things are before them.”

She nodded in agreement and took a sip of her tea. “He’ll be back soon.”

“Abrasha?”

“Yes.” She glanced over at Max. “What do I need to do?”

---